During the lesson, there’s always one kid who raises his hand. He doesn’t raise his hand because he has a question, he raises it because he wants to share his contradictions. His name is Jeffrey and he’s an agnostic. Jeffrey has been attending club and field trips for over a year now. Even though he doesn’t believe in God, he loves everything about 71Five and always participates in our activities. One day at club I pulled Jeffrey aside. I told him, “Instead of spending all of your time trying to disprove there’s a God, you should shift your focus to trying to prove that there is one.” He just shrugged his head to confirm he heard me. Several weeks later while sharing the lesson, sure enough his hand went up but I didn’t call on him. After I finished he came forward to talk to me. I said “I know, I know… You’re going to try to disprove there’s a God.” He responded, “No, I’m passed that.” I asked him, “Passed what?” He said, “I’m passed trying to disprove there’s a God. I believe there is one now. I actually took your advice and now I want to learn more.” I looked at him in disbelief, told him I was going to cry, gave him a big hug! I invited him to bible study, and he said yes.

 

As 71Five leaders encourage young people, hope is offered through a relationship with God that will make an eternal difference in that young person’s life. Thank you for making this possible!!

 

At 71Five City – West Medford I asked the youth why they liked Thursday Night Kids Club. Without hesitation Kylah shouted, “The three F’s.” I challenged her by asking, “What three F’s?” She quickly responded, “Food, Faith and Fun,” as she referred to the format of our weekly time together. Every week we sit down to enjoy a family style dinner with Kylah and almost 20 other young kids in the West Medford community. We spend time catching up with each other as we prepare for a night of fun and games, but, before we transition, we always take time to discuss our faith. While some kids seem to be impatiently tolerating the conversations, Kylah is totally engaged, raising her hand before we can even finish the questions. When I asked which is her favorite part she explained, “Faith, it’s fun to talk about God.”

 

Thank you for sharing the hope found in Jesus with Kylah. Her faith is growing because of your faithful partnership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While at 71Five VoTech, one student, Thom, was very open to share his love for Jesus with the other students. Admittedly, his bible knowledge was sometimes a little off, but he told me that he felt called to help anyone that needed to hear a good word. I usually didn’t correct him on the spot as I knew his heart was in the right place. I realized I hadn’t seen him for a while, so I shot him a text. I asked if he would like to come to my house for dinner sometime. He texted me right back saying, “Yes, how about tomorrow?” The next day I called him. So, where are you, I asked. He said he was downtown walking. I asked if I could swing by and pick him up. He agreed and as we drove, we talked. I found out that he moved out of his house and was living in the laundry room of a family that took him in. Also, he was working almost full time and trying his best to do well. At our house we had dinner and watched a little TV. Then on the way home he started to talk. He shared how important God was in his life and he new that God was there taking care of him. As I let him out in the middle of town, I told him he can come over anytime. He smiled and thanked me and as he turned to go, with tears welling up, he told me that I was a very special person in his life. As I drove off, noticeably harder to see and the wipers were no help, I thought back and answered my own question. I know where you are Thom. In the center of Gods love.

 

You my friends are the reason there is Trust that leads to Hope for so many youth who have no meaningful adult relationships. Thank you for continuing to build these trusting relationships.